3 ring 'bubble' gag bit

[catherine22]

my sharer has just bought my horse a 3 ring gag which i said was fine (mouthpiece is straight happy mouth). Am I right in thinking it should be used with 2 reins/roundings as she has it just on the bottom ring? Im sure I read on here before it was wrong just used with one rein

Thanks

 

[Kayfm]

most people commonly use one ring depending of severity required at the time. spose you could do either !

 

[Ezme]

They are designed to be used with two reins as a pelham but people do use them with one rein often, turning it into a gag. One rein on the bottom is a particularly vile way to use it.

This makes interesting reading
http://www.sustainabledressage.com/tack/bridle.php#pessoa

 

[Scribbles]

I used to use one rein on the bottom for jumping my very over exciteable TBx. The important issue is how you use it, not what you use.

You HAVE to make sure you are only using it when it needs to be - which means riding with little/no contact most of the time (hence why I only used it in jumping) and ensure you give plenty of rein over the jump.

The trouble is people use these gadgets without knowing how to actually use them; spurs a great example.

 

[catherine22]

Thats what I thought, especially using one rein on the bottom was the worse. Thing is she (the horse) does need quite a contact most of the time (bit is only used for hacking out, she was in a pelham with roundings/2 reins) so am not sure its going to be ideal for her.

 

[ester]

what was the problem with the pelham?

 

[KatB]

Hate 3 rings on the bottom ring. It gives a very indirect action, and will act as an elevator. There is also a fair bit of leverage on there. Bets avoided!!

 

[catherine22]

I dont have a problem with the pelham and Ive never seen her to have either, I know she used to have a gag on her old horse so who was strong so wanted to see if she went better in the gag. Think I'll get her to change it back or use roundings.

i knew I was right to hate it just on bottom ring on one rein, the sustainable dressage site makes very interesting reading

 

[ladyt25]

I have to disagree somewhat to the comments re using the bottom ring on these bits. As Scribbles says it's HOW you use it. I used to have to use this for my horse as he is heavy on the forehand and leans esp when jumping - and before anyone says "what about schooling him?" - yes that's all good and well and he was/is schooled pretty well and I have tried various bits but always come back to the gag, although now I have it on the 2nd ring so not so much poll action.

All horses are different - I have tried mine in a pelham before and, although he is ok in this he will still lean and I much prefer having to have a lighter hand on the reins as opposed to constantly hauling on the mouth. I have also been tanked off with by my pony in a kimblewick but he went brilliantly in the 3 ring gag.

I also have one pony who had a gag when I bought him - christ knows why. He REALLY backed off it and hated it and is fantastic in just a plain snafffle.

Any bit in the wrong hands can be horrendous but personally I wouldn't knock a bit until I've tried it.

 

[ester]

well if he goes ok in a pelham I would suggest that you don't need it on the bottom ring. I use a gag to hack only, on middle ring, pone can be spooky, inattentive and fix neck. Unless in a big group cantering he is not strong as such but gag keeps his attention when I need it and I have had too many close calls in snaffle. I hack on a longish rein most of the time.

I also ride him in a pelham. I use it for hunting/xc. I couldn't use the gag for this as he backs off it too much and I wouldn't be happy jumping him in it, though he was previously show jumped in it. Everything else we do in a snaffle. He goes better for a change every so often but I don't think that suits every horse.

 

[arwenplusone]

[ QUOTE ]
I have to disagree somewhat to the comments re using the bottom ring on these bits. As Scribbles says it's HOW you use it. I used to have to use this for my horse as he is heavy on the forehand and leans esp when jumping - and before anyone says "what about schooling him?" - yes that's all good and well and he was/is schooled pretty well and I have tried various bits but always come back to the gag, although now I have it on the 2nd ring so not so much poll action.

All horses are different - I have tried mine in a pelham before and, although he is ok in this he will still lean and I much prefer having to have a lighter hand on the reins as opposed to constantly hauling on the mouth. I have also been tanked off with by my pony in a kimblewick but he went brilliantly in the 3 ring gag.

I also have one pony who had a gag when I bought him - christ knows why. He REALLY backed off it and hated it and is fantastic in just a plain snafffle.

Any bit in the wrong hands can be horrendous but personally I wouldn't knock a bit until I've tried it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Exactly waht I would have said - you saved me the bother!

 

[DunRoamin]

we have never uesd rounding on a dutch gag as they where once known and no o ne on the yard ever had trouble with them this way

 

[Tnavas]

The most important thing to consider is WHY the horse needs the Dutch gag.

It is designed to raise the head of a horse that leans - not slow down a strong horse. I cringe when I see it fitted along with a running martingale - poor confused horse.

If control is an issue then try a Pelham, Kimblewick or Uxeter. All have curb chains and are designed to help with control. Make sure the chain is fitted through the ring so that it is held in the chin groove. Going behind the bit the chain rises up onto the jaw bone asn is very painful.

Failing those a Waterford - rider must have good hands to use this.

 

[emma69]

They are useful bits of kit to have, but in your situation it doesn't sound like the right use - if the horse needs to be ridden in a contact (as opposed to an on the buckle sort of chap, which likely wouldn't need it in the firstplace but hey) then it really should be used with 2 reins, the lower rein only coming into play as necessary. If he is not leaning, then I don't see the advantage over the pelham.